Sarabia Recruits Pascua for Elche's Coaching Staff

Elche has added Jon Pascua to the coaching staff led by Eder Sarabia. The Basque coach (Bermeo, 1972) joins the franjiverde project as an assistant coach, "bringing a wealth of experience from top European clubs and a versatile profile that will enrich the first team's work dynamics," according to the franjiverde statement.

Pascua joins Elche's organisation after working at Olympique de Marseille until 2024, where he served as a goalkeeping coach for four seasons.

Previously, he was part of the technical staff at FC Barcelona during the 2019/20 season and at Real Betis between 2017 and 2019. His connection with Sarabia dates back to those shared experiences at the verdiblanco club and the azulgrana entity. He also served as a goalkeeping coach for the Philippine National Team (2016/17), Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa (2010/15), and Athletic Club de Bilbao (2003/09).

At Elche CF, Jon Pascua will not only complement the specific preparation of goalkeepers alongside Javi Roda but will also play a more integral role as a direct collaborator with the head coach and Jon López. The club thus bets on a prestigious technical profile with proven international experience to enhance the team's performance in all areas of daily work as they return to the First Division.

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid has triggered the release clause of youth player Daniel Fitzgerald, securing the services of one of the franjiverde academy's great prospects.

Fitzgerald, who joined Elche in the 2017/2018 season as a benjamín, has been part of the youth system all these years, standing out for his talent and constant development.

"From Elche, we want to highlight the firm commitment and determined investment the club has been making in its academy, considered one of the fundamental pillars of the sports project. The club had communicated to the player the intention to renew his contract with the entity and continue betting on his growth, with the aim of him becoming part of the first team in the near future. Despite this interest, the young footballer has chosen to embark on a new professional stage and join Atlético de Madrid," lamented Elche in its statement to the media.